Pender's Carillon Ringers Played “Thy Presence My Light,” arranged by Sandra Eithun

🎶 On Sunday, November 2, 2025, Pender’s Carillon Ringers, directed by Brian Stevenson, offered a moving handbell prelude titled “Thy Presence My Light,” arranged by Sandra Eithun.

This beautiful arrangement combines two beloved hymn tunes — “Be Thou My Vision” (SLANE) and “The Lone, Wild Bird” (PROSPECT) — into a rich musical tapestry. The two melodies weave together seamlessly, culminating in a bold and triumphant finale where both themes are played in harmony, creating a deeply satisfying and spiritual experience.

Performed on handbells, three octaves of handchimes, and singing bells, the piece captures the serenity of faith and the majesty of creation.

"Singing hand bells" refers to the technique of making a handbell produce a continuous, singing-bowl-like tone by rubbing a wooden dowel, often with a special coating, around the bell's rim. This creates a sustained, ethereal sound, unlike the usual percussive "ring" when the clapper strikes the bell. This technique is often used to provide atmospheric or "underscore" music for readings or other performances. 

✨ About the Tunes:

* SLANE – An Irish folk tune, named for the hill where St. Patrick is said to have defied King Logaire’s orders. The melody was later paired with the hymn text by Welsh composer David Evans in the 1927 Church Hymnary of the Church of Scotland.

* PROSPECT (“The Lone, Wild Bird”) – From William Walker’s Southern Harmony, 1835, this American folk tune carries a sense of longing and freedom, beautifully complementing SLANE’s quiet strength.

Together, these melodies remind us that God’s presence is both our vision and our light—guiding, sustaining, and inspiring us.